The United States government says foreign donors accredited to Zambia are aware of instances of budgeted funds and donor assistance been diverted for corrupt purposes and political use.

US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has since demanded that the government should begin to be transparent and accountable in order to mitigate corruption and improve trust among citizens and foreign donors.

Speaking last night in Lusaka to mark that Country’s 243rd independence anniversary, Ambassador Foote emphasized that non-transparent debt acquisition is imposing problematic debt and fuel corruption thereby limiting options for citizens to determine their future.

And Health Minister, Dr Chitalu Chilufya who officiated the event said government will endeavor to pay attention to donors and cooperating partners’ advice in the running of national matters and called for strong partnerships.

Zambia is supported by the U.S. Government to implement PEPFAR as an integrated response partnering with the Ministry of Health and National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council.

In fiscal year 2019, Zambia received US$ 385 million for programs targeting HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and health systems strengthening in support of Zambia’s achievement of the 90-90-90 HIV epidemic control goal.

For fiscal year 2020, Zambia will receive over $421 million. Since its inception in 2004, PEPFAR Zambia has received over US$ 3.9 billion over K46 billion in support of the people living with HIV in Zambia.

PEPFAR Zambia funds HIV testing services for more than 4.3 million Zambia and through the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services, reduced the number of children born with HIV and supports over 900,000 Zambians with life-saving anti-retroviral medicines, who if they continue to take their medicines can live long, healthy lives.

Phoenix FM News